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Psychology News

These research articles involve many aspects of psychology such as cognitive psychology, depression studies, mental health, stress, happiness and neuropsychology, Scroll below for more specific categories.

AI Tools Predict Future Depression Symptoms from Word Choice

A new study has found that analyzing a person’s word choice can predict worsening symptoms of major depressive disorder. Researchers used human evaluators and ChatGPT to assess written responses, finding that both could accurately predict depression severity weeks later.

Gender Nonconformity Linked to Increased Mental Health Risks

A recent study found that individuals who display traits or behaviors that differ from traditional gender stereotypes are at a higher risk of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The research, which analyzed data from up to 142,000 participants, revealed that gender nonconformity is more strongly linked to mental health difficulties in men and adolescents.

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Link Between Childhood Trauma and Elder Abuse Risk Revealed

New research reveals that people who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a higher likelihood of committing abuse against older adults. The study surveyed over 13,000 individuals and found that 8.5% of those with ACEs admitted to physical or verbal abuse of seniors.

Game Theory Challenged: Humans Cooperate Despite Betrayal

Humans tend to cooperate even after being betrayed, defying traditional game theory expectations. Researchers conducted online experiments using alternating and voluntary participation games, revealing that people are more tolerant and cooperative than previously thought. The findings suggest that human psychology and social context play a bigger role in cooperative behavior than current models account for. These insights may lead to revised game theory models that better reflect the complexity of human interactions.

What Makes Yawning Contagious?

Yawning is a universal behavior observed in many species, but why do we tend to yawn when someone else does? While the idea that yawning increases brain oxygenation remains unproven, some evidence suggests it may be linked to circadian rhythms and attention regulation.

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Teens Risk Brain Damage in New TikTok “Chroming” Trend

Videos on TikTok are contributing to a resurgence in "huffing" or "chroming," the dangerous practice of inhaling toxic fumes from household items like markers or nail polish. The study analyzed over 100 TikTok videos, collectively viewed more than 25 million times, and found that more than half referenced repeated use or addiction.

Prewired For Depression? Brain Scans Reveal Network Linked to Depression

Researchers have identified a unique brain network pattern that may predispose some people to depression. By repeatedly scanning patients’ brains, they found that individuals with larger salience networks were more likely to develop depression over time.

Unexpected Sounds Boost Dopamine, Leading to Riskier Decisions

A new study shows that unexpected sounds can cause dopamine bursts in the brain, which may lead to riskier decision-making. Researchers found that participants were 4% more likely to choose risky options after hearing a surprising tone. These findings highlight how unrelated sensory events, like sounds, can influence choices, shedding light on the role dopamine plays in decision-making.

Your Smile Reveals More About Your Personality Than You Think

Research shows that the way you smile in a photograph can reveal key personality traits like warmth, trustworthiness, and conscientiousness. Social psychologists found that people with a Duchenne Smile, which involves both mouth and eye muscles, are perceived more accurately than those with neutral expressions.

Video Games Can Boost Mood in Just 15 Minutes

A new study found that playing video games can improve players’ moods within 15 minutes of gameplay. Researchers analyzed data from over 39 countries, showing that nearly three-quarters of players experienced a positive mood shift during gameplay.

Brain Structure Linked to Political Ideology

A large study has found a small but significant link between brain structure and political ideology. The research revealed that conservatives have a slightly larger amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions, though the size difference is minimal.

Men Show Higher Genetic Risk for Schizophrenia and Related Disorders

Researchers have found that schizophrenia shares genetic risk factors with bipolar disorder and major depression, with these vulnerabilities being more significant in men than in women. This new study analyzed over 3,000 individuals, finding that polygenic scores for various psychiatric disorders contribute differently to psychosis risk based on gender.